Whilst our heart is filled with sorrow because Brother Martin OSsS, so kind, so cheerful, is not among us , we should thank God that we have known him, inspired and edified by the example and cheered in encounters with this consecrated soul ,living his holy vocation to the full.

In a way, it was a unique vocation. The Brigittine Brothers, a contemplative order, to which Brother Martin belonged for close to a quarter century, is a truly trailblazing enterprise. In the chaotic situation of the recent decades, when even previously established orders simply dwindled away a group of dedicated Americans achieved under the inspired leadership of Brother Benedict Kirby (RIP) of happy memory what others have been unsuccessfully trying for more than 100 years in Europe – to re-establish a male branch of Brigittines after the Brigittine Brothers were simply swept away in the wake of the Protestant reformation.

Several of those who have tried the life, did not persevere. Those who did and do to this day, made and are making it work by turning their hands to any of the tasks presented without decreasing the time for prayer- daily Holy Mass, the full Divine Office (also known as the Liturgy of the Hours) recited in common, adoration and rosary each day.

May God grant the graces to the confreres of dear Brother Martin to carry on with their work of sanctifying themselves and others AMDG and may Our Lady dry their tears of grief!

Let us reflect on the graces received during the joyous times of Christmas and make plans to solidify the virtues inspired by these graces during Lent, i.e., what bad habits do you plan to eradicate which hamper the practice of these virtues? Let us prepare for making use of the rich spiritual fare of Lent when there will be for each day a different Holy Gospel reading on which we can meditate as a preparatory practice during the Season of Septaguesima, we can start using a combination of the Sunday Holy Gospel and the daily Magnificat antiphon.

The present part of the liturgical year, the Sundays after Epiphany, could also be called the “Let us get ready” season. After the splendour of the Christmas cycle and before the sombre Season f Septuagesima, preparing us for the penitential practices of Lent begins, we are in a bit of no man’s land. Let us therefore pray that we see the road-map for our journey to heaven when seasonal prayers to aid us start again.

This time, when we are not so busy celebrating, more often not with others, may be a good time to review our New Year resolutions.

The Breviary notes were bought up to date. all dates for the various Seasons are now also current for the year of 2018

In the traditional Latin liturgy, the light of Christmas simply explodes into splendour. Then we had shepherds from nearby. We now have the Magi coming from far afar, bearing the splendid gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

I have been silent for quite a while, but let me reassure everybody -The Brigittini Servitores are still alive and well, Deo gratias!

The aim of establishing eventually a double monastery is still there, the realisation will be on God’s time table, but by the infinite mercy of His Divine Majesty, we are now a step nearer to the establishment of male branch with priestly members and lay Brothers who would give spiritual support for the Brigittine Sisters and pilgrims visiting the monastery and disseminate information about the Brigittine order.

The “step nearer” consists of making it known that we have a priest, interested and well qualified to head such a project. Indeed, Father has been involved in the work of two Brigittine communities, including ours, for several years. However, it is only now that I have received permission to make this known on this WEB-site.

Hereby I am inviting those who would be interested to write for more information to :
Brigittine Fathers <servitores5@gmail.com>

As for the statement that “The Brigittine Servitores are still alive and well”, I could add that yes, indeed, and we are even doing more than before. Please the article titled “Praising God in choir louder and more often (10-2-2017)” in the “Editorials” section.